An illustrated Christian chapter book for ages 8–10
Tree Rat and the Chautauqua
Oreo wants a nap. Tree Rat has a story. Beneath the squirrel’s tall tales and a real piece of Rockville, Indiana history, Timmy remembers being a lost kitten—and opens a conversation about the rescue God gives through Jesus.
By Brent Lacy. Available in paperback and Kindle ebook through Amazon.
Amazon handles the purchase and delivery. Check current formats and pricing there.
A funny story with a real conversation underneath
Tree Rat has a family tale involving a goose and a flying umbrella. Oreo and Toothless have their doubts. But the Chautauqua he remembers is rooted in Rockville history: Billy Sunday, the former baseball player who became an evangelist, came to town to preach.
Years later, Timmy tells little Teddy about those days and about the children who brought him home when he was lost. His rescue is a small, imperfect picture that helps children ask a bigger question: What does it mean that Jesus came to rescue us? The book includes read-together questions for families and teachers.
Connect the story to the Rescue Gospel
MinistryPlace’s free Rescue Gospel framework follows four movements: Created—God made us to know him; Broken—our sin separates us from him; Rescued—Jesus died for sinners and rose again; Respond—we turn from sin and trust Jesus. The book gives children a story through which to begin asking about those truths.
Read it together
At home, read a short chapter and ask your child what they noticed. In Sunday school or children’s church, use the closing questions in the book and leave time for children to ask their own.
Free next steps for parents and teachers
- Presenting the gospel to children — conversation questions and follow-up without pressure or false assurance.
- The Rescue Gospel hub — the four-movement framework and free printable tools.
- Children’s ministry resources — more teaching helps for small churches.
For a church training volunteers
If your team wants cards, practice prompts, and follow-up tools beyond the free framework, the separate Rescue Gospel Field Kit is available in the MinistryPlace shop. The book itself is purchased on Amazon.
Get Tree Rat and the Chautauqua
A short illustrated book to read with an elementary-age child, give to a family, or use to begin a careful gospel conversation.
ISBN 9798174132030 (paperback). Availability and price are set by Amazon.